Category: General

Another two $10,000 red-tagged barra in the bag!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Fishos all over the Top End are winning big through Million Dollar Fish Season 8. Six registered anglers have won $70,000 worth of prize money in less than three weeks of the competition. An additional $7,000 has been paid out to official Million Dollar Fish charity partners.

The two latest fishos to win big were Territorians Rory Laidlaw-Hall and Jack Daly. SportsBet underwrites Million Dollar Fish.

Mad keen fisho Rory Laidlaw-Hall of Malak found himself $10,000 richer after snagging a red-tagged barramundi at Mary River Bridge Lagoon on Monday, 17 October. Rory first spotted the red tag as he was reeling the fish in towards the boat, and quickly secured his lucrative catch.

He said he’ll use his prize money to fix his car’s air-conditioning and buy some new fishing gear. “I’ve been registering for Million Dollar Fish the last three years, but didn’t ever think I was lucky enough to get one,” he said. “My breathing definitely picked up when I spotted the red tag. It was just me in the boat and I was worried I’d lose the barra before I netted him.”

Lucky angler pockets $10,000

The other lucky angler to pocket $10,000 was Daly River’s Jack Daly. Jack was fortunate enough to find a red-tagged barramundi on the end of his line when he was fishing at the Daly River Crossing. “I wasn’t too sure about the red tag – I had to double check it to make sure it was real,” he said.

“My son and a friend were with me when I caught the fish. We were all dancing around on the sand!”

An avid fisho, Jack said he plans to spend the money on his family and home renovations. Luck seems to run in Jack’s family. His nephew Darryl McLeod also bagging a red-tagged barramundi at Daly River Crossing on Friday, 14 October. Darryl’s partner Kaitlyn Ahfat caught a red-tagged fish at the same location in Season 6.

Each time a Season 8 $10,000 barra is caught, an extra $1,000 is given to one of the official Million Dollar Fish charities, as nominated by the winning fisho. Rory decided to give his cash to Cancer Council NT, while Jack opted to donate his $1,000 to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Million Dollar Fish reels in benefits for the Territory

Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) Head of Events and Operations Coryn Huddy Million Dollar Fish is a fantastic initiative. He said the competition creates many valuable benefits for the Territory from a social and economic perspective.

“It also puts the Territory on the national stage, inspiring even more visitors to make their way to the Top End for our world-class fishing and incredible tourism experiences,” he said. “At this rate, we’re in for another record-breaking season of Million Dollar Fish. We look forward to seeing more fishos win big before the end of March next year.”

Million Dollar Fish Season 8 kicked off on 1 October 2022, and runs until 31 March 2023. There are still 94 $10,000 barramundi swimming around Territory waterways, in addition to nine fish worth a million dollars. This includes the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, plus the other big ones from previous seasons which are still eligible to be caught. Prize-tagged barramundi have been released across the Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Katherine, Arnhem Land and Kakadu.

To claim any prize money, or fantastic prizes as part of the monthly Lucky Prize Pool, anglers register for Season 8. Register for free at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Big pay day for Territorian in Australia’s richest fishing competition

Posted on by Isabella Hood

It was a big pay day for local fisho Nicole Soltesz. The Territorian reeled in a cool $20,000 after hooking a Million Dollar Fish Season 8 red-tagged barramundi.

Carrying a $10,000 red tag, the fish was worth double the money as part of a National Gone Fishing Day promotion, with competition underwriter SportsBet pledging to ‘Double the Dough’ for any fish caught on Sunday, 9 October.

Nicole was out fishing with mates at Hardies Lagoon when she snagged the 62cm prize-tagged fish – her first ever barramundi! The Darwin fisho said she’d put some of the winnings towards a holiday, and the rest away in a savings account for now.

“I don’t go fishing very often so definitely wasn’t expecting it. It was a big surprise, we all looked at each other in shock when we saw the red tag,” she said.

There has never been a better time to register for Australia’s richest fishing competition and wet a line in the Territory, with prize-tagged fish swimming in waterways across the Top End.

Season 8 off to a strong start

NTMEC Head of Events and Operations Coryn Huddy said Season 8 was off to a strong start. “It’s certainly an exciting time in the Territory with excellent fishing conditions,” he said. “There are more chances to catch the Million Dollar Fish and an incredible offering of tourism experiences the whole family will love.”

The amount of cash up for grabs as part of Season 8 is the largest ever. Nine fish worth a million dollars are in five fishing regions – Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land. This includes the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, as well as those from every other season, which are still eligible to be caught.

Registered anglers also have the chance to bag one of the remaining 98 $10,000 barra, with two caught so far. Each time a $10,000 fish is caught, an extra $1,000 is donated to one of the official Million Dollar Fish charities, as nominated by the lucky angler. SportsBet doubled the charity money for this fish, and Nicole decided to give the $2,000 to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Darwin Star Ball Committee Chairman Justin Coleman said he was very thankful to Nicole Soltesz and all those involved with Million Dollar Fish Season 8.

“Starlight provides vital hospital programs in the Northern Territory for our sick kids,” he said. “Only with the help of the local community can we continue to bring the gift of joy, fun and laughter, helping to create brighter and healthier futures for our kids, families and communities.”

Odds in fisho’s favour for Australia’s richest fishing competition

SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors said the odds are definitely in the fisho’s favour for Season 8. He said there are more red-tagged Million Dollar Fish out there than ever before.

“It’s prime time for barra fishing at the moment,” he said. “So I’d encourage as many people as possible to register for Australia’s richest fishing competition and explore our world-class fishing regions for the chance to score a million bucks!”

Million Dollar Fish Season 8 opened on 1 October 2022 and runs through until 31 March 2023. To be eligible for any prize money, anglers must have registered for Season 8. By doing so, participants go into the monthly Lucky Prize Pool. This includes thousands of dollars’ worth of incredible prizes such as holidays, flights, and fishing and camping equipment.

For more info and to register, visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

 

Catch a red-tagged barra tomorrow and double the dough!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

The chances of taking home a stash of cash this weekend are higher than ever. Catch a Season 8 $10,000 red-tagged barra tomorrow and you’ll double the dough.

Million Dollar Fish underwriter SportsBet is doubling the dough for any angler who snags a prize catch. The one-day-only campaign celebrates National Gone Fishing Day and everything great about angling. We’re encouraging Territorians and visitors to explore the Top End’s world-class fishing regions for the chance to hook a red-tagged barramundi, and turn their $10,000 prized catch into a $20,000 loot.

SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors said he looked forward to handing out a big cheque very soon.

“Registering is quick, easy and free, and by doing so, you might find yourself a million dollars better off,” he said.

Territory fishing regions include Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land. The chances of reeling in a prize-tagged barramundi have never been better with nine barramundi worth $1 million now released. This includes the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, plus those from previous seasons. All are still eligible to be caught. Once one of the nine is caught, the remaining eight become $10,000 fish.

Anglers must be registered for Season 8 to claim any cash. By registering for free, they also go into the monthly Lucky Prize Pool to win thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes. To find out more and register, visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

The search is back on for Australia’s Most Wanted Fish!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

There’s never been a better time to wet a line in the Northern Territory, with Season 8 of the iconic fishing competition starting tomorrow.

Anglers from across Australia are encouraged to join the search for Australia’s Most Wanted Fish. They could become a millionaire by simply registering for free, fishing the NT, and catching a prize-tagged barramundi.

Million Dollar Fish is delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) on behalf of the Northern Territory Government. SportsBet underwrites the competition. Each season, prize-tagged barramundi are released across the five Top End fishing regions, including Darwin, Tiwi Islands, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land.

A total of nine barramundi worth $1 million have now been released (at least one in each region), including the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, plus those from previous seasons. All are still eligible to be caught. Once one of the nine is caught, the value of the remaining eight changes to $10,000 each.

An additional 100 x $10,000 barra have been released, and whenever a $10,000 fish is caught, the fisho can donate an additional $1,000 to an official Million Dollar Fish Charity Partner. A whopping $10,000 will be given to a charity partner when a lucky fisho bags a Million Dollar Fish. Season 8 Charity Partners include Shoreline, Cancer Council NT, and the Darwin Star Ball, supporting the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Season 8 shaping up to be the best

NTMEC Head of Events and Operations Coryn Huddy said Season 8 is shaping up to be the best yet, with prime fishing conditions, strong registration numbers and more prize money up for grabs than ever before.

“Excitement is ramping up for Million Dollar Fish Season 8,” he said. “After a mammoth Season 7, we are gearing up for another big six months and can’t wait to award more lucky fishos with huge cash prizes.

“With our world-class fishing and incredible tourism experiences, the Territory is a must-do holiday destination for the whole family. Combined with the chance of banking a million bucks, now is the perfect time to book a holiday, register for Million Dollar Fish and explore all the Territory has to offer.”

Registering for Million Dollar Fish Season 8 means automatic inclusion in the Lucky Prize Pool, with thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes up for grabs, such as Top End holiday packages, Airnorth airfares, Engel fridge-freezers, Shimano fishing packs, Britz campervan getaways, Million Dollar Fish merchandise and more.

SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors said the latest instalment of Million Dollar Fish follows a record-breaking Season 7, which saw local and interstate anglers share a whopping $160,000 of prize money.

“We look forward to delivering another successful season, and wish all anglers the best of luck searching for Australia’s Most Wanted Fish!” he said.

To register for free or find out more, visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Register now to catch Australia’s Most Wanted fish!

Posted on by Erin

It’s almost time to join the search for Australia’s Most Wanted fish. And the fisho who can land the most wanted fish will bag a cash reward of $1 million.

We launched a campaign dubbed ‘Australia’s Most Wanted’ to help raise awareness and increase the odds for those on the hunt for the Million Dollar Fish. The slippery suspect was last seen in Darwin Harbour wearing a red tag, as reported by key eyewitnesses.

You can now register for the Northern Territory’s Million Dollar Fish competition. Season 8 of Australia’s richest fishing competition runs from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023.

Million Dollar Fish is free to enter. The competition gives anglers the chance to bag a million bucks by catching prize-tagged barramundi in the Top End.

This season’s prize purse is the biggest yet, with nine fish worth a million bucks now released in Top End waterways. This includes the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, plus those from previous seasons. Anglers also have the chance to catch one of 100 fish carrying a tag worth $10,000. Tagged fish are released into the five main fishing regions of Darwin Harbour, Tiwi Islands, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land.

Gearing up for another big season with double the dough

Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) runs Million Dollar Fish on behalf of the Northern Territory Government. SportsBet underwrites the competition. NTMEC CEO Tim Watsford said the latest instalment of Million Dollar Fish follows a record-breaking Season 7, which saw 16 anglers take home $10,000 each.

“We’re gearing up for another big season of Million Dollar Fish, and now is the time to register, get your fishing gear in order and book a trip to the Territory to join the search,” he said.
“Start planning your Top End fishing adventure and how you’ll spend a million bucks. With more fish caught last season than ever before, you never know your luck.”

Each time a registered participant catches a $10,000 barramundi, an additional $1,000 will be donated to an official Million Dollar Fish Charity Partner. Similarly, a huge $10,000 will go to a Charity Partner when a lucky fisho hooks the Million Dollar Fish.

Once one of the nine Million Dollar Fish are caught, the remaining eight revert to $10,000 fish. The $1 million tag numbers you want to find in your lucky catch include:
S1-MDF1469; S2-MDF2656; S3-MDF3556; S4-MDF4540; S4-MDF4663; S5-MDF5501; S6-MDF6474 and S7-MDF7399

Make sure you register for Australia’s richest fishing competition

SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors encouraged everyone to register for Australia’s richest fishing competition.

“There’s never been a better time to register for Million Dollar Fish and visit the Territory,” he said. “We have amazing fishing regions, pristine landscapes and beautiful sunsets.”

“The adrenaline of landing a barra, combined with the chance to win a million dollars, makes Million Dollar Fish the world’s most exciting fishing competition.”

Official Million Dollar Fish merchandise is back for Season 8. This includes a new lure, limited edition fishing shirt, stubby cooler and Fish Headz. Register for Season 8 and receive a merchandise discount code, including the chance to grab a special merch pack containing all items for just $90, a saving of almost $50.

You’ll also go into the draw to take home fantastic prizes as part of the Lucky Prize Pool each month. Prizes include Top End holiday packages, Airnorth airfares, Engel fridge-freezers, and Shimano fishing packs. There’s also Britz campervan getaways, Million Dollar Fish merchandise and more.

Million Dollar Fish began in 2015. It has been a popular drawcard for visitors to travel to the Top End for the chance to become a millionaire. Fishos from across the country have taken home significant cash prizes, but the Million Dollar Fish is yet to be caught.

Biggest Million Dollar Fish Season Wraps Up

Posted on by Isabella Hood

The Territory’s biggest Million Dollar Fish season wraps up today, with 16 anglers from across Australia sharing a record $160,000 of prize money.

Season 7 of the competition also resulted in $17,000 being donated to Million Dollar Fish’s official charity partners. SportsBet underwrites the competition.

While all Season 7 $10,000 barra cease to be valid after today, eight fish carrying a tag worth a million bucks remain active year-round until one is caught. Anglers must be registered for Season 7 by midnight tonight to claim prize money.

In addition, Sportsbet will pay $1,000 to any tagged barramundi caught during next week’s Girls Gone Fishin competition, as well as four other fishing competitions across the Territory.

This season’s Million Dollar Fish tag number has been released, with anglers encouraged to look out for the following code: S7-MDF7399.

The $1 million tag numbers from previous seasons include: S1-MDF1469, S2-MDF2656, S3-MDF3556, S4-MDF4540, S4-MDF4663, S5-MDF5501 and S6-MDF6474.

Charities reel in donations

Cancer Council NT received a cheque for $5,000. The money will go towards the Transport to Treatment program.

Cancer Council NT CEO Tanya Izod said it was great to receive the donation as part of Season 7. “These funds have assisted to fund the fuel needed for our Transport to Treatment program and our nurse led clinics to provide counselling and support for patients,” she said.

Shoreline received a $4,000 donation. This will enable the Territory organisation to continue creating programs to sustainable careers for young Aboriginal Australians.

Shoreline Patron Matthew Hayden AM congratulated all Season 7 winners. “A huge thank you on behalf of the Shoreline Foundation to all winners who generously chose us as their charity,” he said. “The donations will go directly towards maritime training for Top End Indigenous youth.”

The Darwin Star Ball, supporting the Starlight Children’s Foundation, is the beneficiary of an $8,000 donation. This will help Starlight deliver its vital programs to sick kids in the Northern Territory.

Starlight Children’s Foundation CEO Louise Baxter said the team was so grateful to be a part of the extremely successful Million Dollar Fish season.

“Community support is needed now more than ever to help Starlight bring happiness to sick kids,” she said.

Successful Season 7 of Million Dollar Fish

SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning said he couldn’t be happier to be giving away cheques to the three charities following an extremely successful season of Million Dollar Fish.

“This is the largest sum of money we’ve ever given away to charities in one season,” he said.

To register before Season 7 closes at 11:59pm on 31 March 2022, visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Yet another fisho catches one of Australia’s Most Wanted!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Another lucky fisho has found himself $10,000 richer after landing a tagged fish as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 7.

Ngukurr resident Bobby Nunggumajabarr caught his 69cm fishy fugitive at Roper Bar on Friday, 18 March. It was almost 2km from where it was initially tagged at Roper River.

Bobby is the 16th angler to land himself $10,000 after joining the hunt for Australia’s Most Wanted fish. A proud father of two girls, Bobby looks forward to spoiling his family and buying new fishing tackle with his prize money.

“I’ve been registering for Million Dollar Fish for years, and have been fishing everywhere trying to catch a red-tagged barra,” he said.

“I’m so excited to finally get one. It was actually my niece who first saw the tag, and then everyone ran over to check. I couldn’t stop jumping around when I found out!”

Season 7 smashes all records

Season 7 has smashed all records, with the most fish caught and money paid out. There are still six days to go before the end of the season on 31 March 2022. Bobby is one of five fishos who caught their tagged fish in the final month. Anyone who catches a $10,000 fish gets to donate an additional $1,000 to the Million Dollar Fish-affiliated charity of their choice. Bobby chose Shoreline, a Territory organisation that creates programs and pathways to sustainable careers for young Aboriginal Australians.

NT Major Events Company CEO Tim Watsford said it’s been great to see so many fishos joining the hunt for Australia’s Most Wanted fish.

“The results speak for themselves,” he said. “The more you get out there fishing our pristine waterways, the more chances you have of bagging yourself a cash reward for simply enjoying yourself out on the water.”

“Bobby’s catch proves it’s never too late to try, so register before the end of Season 7 to ensure you can claim any winnings if you bag a tagged barra.”

Almost 100 tagged barra waiting to be caught

Million Dollar Fish is Australia’s richest fishing competition. Each year a number of tagged fish released across the Top End’s iconic fishing regions  – Darwin, Katherine, Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land and Kakadu. Some are worth $10,000, while some carry a reward of a whopping million bucks. SportsBet underwrites the competition.

There are still almost 100 tagged barra waiting to be caught, including eight fish carrying a tag worth a million bucks. That includes the big one from Season 7, plus all the other seasons. The fish carrying tags worth $1 million remain active year-round, until one is caught, but you MUST be registered for Season 7 by 31 March 2022 to claim any prize money. The $10,000 fish cease to be active after the end of this month. Register now at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Another Million Dollar Fish ‘Most Wanted’ in the bag!

Posted on by Erin

Jaylene Budd is the latest lucky fisho to land a tagged fish as part of Australia’s richest fishing competition Season 7.

She thought her knife was blunt when she couldn’t slice through the barra she bagged on Sunday. But closer inspection showed the real reason for her struggle – a red tagged barra worth $10,000.

Jaylene, who has been hunting for Australia’s Most Wanted fish for several seasons, is the 15th lucky fisho to land $10,000 from Season 7. She caught her 65cm fish while land-based fishing near the Finnis River boat ramp. While some tagged fish swim many kilometres, this one was hiding out just two kilometres from where it was released.

“I’ve been fishing since I was a kid and out fishing most weekends,” Jaylene said. “I’ve registered for Million Dollar Fish for years, and my husband caught a $10,000 barra in 2017. I caught the fish, and a few others on Sunday, but just threw them all in the freezer without noticing the red tag. I didn’t see it until I took the fish out to fillet it yesterday!”

For every $10,000 fish caught, the angler gets to donate an additional $1000 to the Million Dollar Fish-affiliated charity of their choice. Jaylene chose the Starlight Children’s Foundation Darwin Star Ball, as her young son once spent three months in hospital.

Northern Territory Major Events CEO Tim Watsford said this season has turned out to be the biggest yet, with plenty of keen anglers joining the search for the ones that got away.

“What a season it’s been! That’s 15 fishos with an extra $10,000 in the bank thanks to Million Dollar Fish, the competition that rewards people for doing something they love in one of the most unique places in Australia,” he said. “There are plenty of chances to bag a tagged barra yourself, with almost 100 fishy fugitives still swimming around out there.”

SportsBet underwrites Million Dollar Fish, which is Australia’s richest fishing competition. It sees scores of tagged fish released into the Top End’s five iconic fishing regions – Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Tiwi Islands.

Season 7 ends on 31 March 2022, but the eight fish carrying tags worth a million bucks remain active year-round. You MUST be registered for Season 7 to claim any cash. Registrations close on 31 March 2022.

 

Queenslander goes home $10,000 richer after bagging a barra in the Territory

Posted on by Isabella Hood

A Queensland angler is counting his lucky stars after reeling in a $10,000 barramundi in the Top End as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 7. Known as Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish is underwritten by SportsBet.

Guy Gibson from Yeppoon hooked the 57cm barra while on a Dundee fishing charter with a group from around Australia. They had scored themselves a free trip to the Territory after winning a competition.

Australia’s most wanted fish

Guy is one of many fishos who have hit Territory waterways off the back of a new campaign called ‘Australia’s Most Wanted Fish’. It was launched to increase the chances of the Million Dollar Fish being caught.

Earlier this month, anglers were given the clue the Season 7 Million Dollar Fish was last seen in Darwin Harbour wearing a red tag. They have since been hitting the water in droves to track him down.

This was Guy’s first time visiting the Territory. He says he’ll put some of his winnings towards another Top End holiday to try his luck at uncovering the whereabouts of Australia’s Most Wanted Fish. He’ll also invest in some new fishing tackle.

“The dream was to land an elusive barra in the NT, so we were cheering to get one with a red tag in it. I was so excited, I think my legs were shaking for about half an hour after we landed it,” he said.

Everyone comes to the Top End to catch a barra

Emma Cartwright, owner of Dundee-based fishing charter, Anglers Choice Fishing Safaris, was glad the group could finally make it up to Darwin for their fishing trip. They had to delay the holiday several times over the past two years due to COVID restrictions.

“Everyone comes to the Top End to catch a barra, and Guy did just that, but with a red tag in it,” she said.

“They were so impressed at the diversity of fishing at Dundee, finishing the day with not only barramundi in the esky, but golden snapper, jewfish, blue bone and giant trevally.”

With every $10,000 fish caught, the angler has the opportunity to donate an additional $1,000 to a Million Dollar Fish affiliated charity of choice. Guy chose Shoreline, a Territory organisation that creates programs and pathways to sustainable careers for young Aboriginal Australians.

A bumper season for Million Dollar Fish

Northern Territory Major Events Company CEO Tim Watsford said it’s been a bumper season for Million Dollar Fish, with 14 fishos winning cash right across the Territory.

“This has been our biggest season ever, and we hope to see even more anglers cash in before the end of March,” he said.

“We look forward to rolling out the welcome mat to more visitors like Guy and his mates, who travel to the Top End for our incredible tourism experiences and give a welcome boost to local businesses and the wider economy.”

SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning said he was thrilled to be awarding another interstate fisho a cheque for $10,000.

“It’s prime time to catch a barra in the Territory at the moment,” he said. “So I’d encourage everyone to register for Australia’s richest fishing competition and hit the water for the chance to find this fishy fugitive and take home a cash reward of $1 million.”

Fresh calls for more anglers

With the Million Dollar Fish still on the swim, authorities have made fresh calls for even more anglers to join search efforts to uncover the whereabouts of the head fishy fugitive. Seven of his scaly relatives also carry cash rewards of $1 million. Around 97 other Season 7 gang members are at large and carry a $10,000 reward.

Season 7 of the Million Dollar Fish competition runs from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. However, the eight million dollar tags remain active year-round. As soon as one of those eight fish is caught, the remaining seven turn into $10,000 fish that are only valid during the official season.

To claim any prize money from a tagged fish, you must be registered for Season 7 of Million Dollar Fish. This also automatically enters you into the Lucky Prize Pool, which includes fantastic prizes such as a Great Northern Breakaway Trip, Anaconda vouchers, Engel goodies and Shimano Fishing Packs. Registrations close on 31 March 2022. Register for free at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Big pay day for Top End fishos

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Two Top End fishos have snagged a $10,000 cash bonus each, after hitting the water in the hope of reeling in Australia’s Most Wanted Fish – the Season 7 Million Dollar Fish.

While they weren’t successful in trapping the lucrative red-tagged runaway worth a million bucks, the fishos managed to locate two of the boss barramundi’s $10,000 accomplices on Sunday.

Josh James of Acacia Hills landed a 90cm fishy suspect while out with family members on Adelaide River. He looks forward to purchasing his kids a couple of motorbikes with his winnings. He will donate his additional $1,000 to the Starlight Children’s Foundation Darwin Star Ball.

“There was a fair bit of cheering and yahooing when we saw the red tag,” he said. “It’s a pretty cool concept, going fishing in the NT and getting cash for free. It’s so easy to sign up to Million Dollar Fish.”

Another Acacia Hills resident, Jarryd Price, also found himself with a red-tagged barra in his esky on Sunday. He was land-based fishing with a friend at Daly River using a handline when he bagged his 64cm suspect. It wasn’t until later on in the day, while cleaning and filleting the fish, that he noticed the red tag covered in algae. Jarryd has opted to give his additional $1,000 to Cancer Council NT.

“I’ve registered for Million Dollar Fish for a few seasons now, but never really thought I’d be lucky enough to get a red-tagged fish,” he said.

Australia’s Most Wanted Fish campaign launched earlier this month

After the ‘Australia’s Most Wanted Fish’ campaign launched earlier this month, fishos have hit Top End waters in droves to track down the Season 7 Million Dollar Fish, who is still on the swim. Authorities have made fresh calls for the community to join in the search and catch the head fishy fugitive, along with seven of his scaly relatives who also carry cash rewards of $1 million. Around 98 other Season 7 gang members remain at large and are worth $10,000.

Tim Watsford, CEO of Northern Territory Major Events Company, organiser of Million Dollar Fish, said search efforts have stepped up a notch with just a few weeks left of Season 7.

“Through Australia’s Most Wanted Fish we are encouraging as many fishos as possible to register, experience our world-class fishing and hopefully bag the Season 7 Million Dollar Fish,” he said.

“There’s plenty of time to get involved, so wet a line in the Top End today for your chance to become a million bucks richer.”

$1 million fish was last seen wearing a red tag in Darwin Harbour

Fishos are reminded the Season 7 $1 million fish was last seen wearing a red tag in Darwin Harbour, and to register their details for free before wetting a line. If you aren’t registered, you cannot claim the cash reward if you land a red-tagged runaway.

‘Australia’s Most Wanted Fish’ is part of the Million Dollar Fish competition, underwritten by SportsBet. The eight fish carrying a $1 million reward can be caught year-round, but you MUST be registered by 31 March 2022 to claim the cash. The $10,000 fish are only active until 31 March 2022, the end of Season 7. Once the first Million Dollar Fish is caught, cash rewards for the remaining seven head fugitives decrease to $10,000 each until the end of March, or become null and void if the Big One is caught between April and September.